Death from Legionnaire’s Disease under investigation

One person has died and another is recovering after an outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease in South Yorkshire.

Few details have been released by health authorities but medical chiefs confirmed yesterday the situation, in Doncaster, was being monitored, and there was currently no risk to others.

Dr Wendy Phillips, director of the South Yorkshire Health Protection Team, said: “Our condolences go to the family concerned at this very sad time. We are working with Environmental Health Officers in South Yorkshire to investigate any common source of the infection.”

She added: “Relevant health professionals have been informed and have been asked to be vigilant for people with symptoms which could be Legionnaires’ Disease, but no further cases have currently been reported.

“It is important to be aware we have not currently identified an ongoing increased risk of Legionnaires’ Disease to the wider community in South Yorkshire, however our investigations are continuing and we will issue any further advice to the public if this becomes necessary.”

Legionnaires’ Disease is caused by breathing in bacteria dispersed into the air from a contaminated water source. Person-to-person spread does not occur.